The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 23, 2002
Filed:
Apr. 20, 1998
Jess A. Cuevas, Scottsdale, AZ (US);
Ahmad K. Al-Amin, Highley, AZ (US);
Bryan W. Shirk, Mesa, AZ (US);
Timothy A. Swann, Mesa, AZ (US);
Roy D. Van Wynsberghe, Mesa, AZ (US);
TRW Inc., Lyndhurst, OH (US);
Abstract
An apparatus ( ) includes a frame structure ( ) defining a deployment opening ( ), an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device ( ) aligned with the deployment opening ( ), and a deployment structure ( ) extending across the deployment opening ( ). The deployment structure ( ) has first and second locking portions ( ) in releasably interlocked engagement with the frame structure ( ) at locations spaced apart across the deployment opening ( ). The deployment structure ( ) is configured to undergo non-rupturing deflection under the influence of inflation fluid pressure forces applied by the protection device ( ). Such non-rupturing deflection of the deployment structure ( ) moves the first locking portion ( ) partially out of interlocked engagement with the frame structure ( ), and moves the second locking portion ( ) fully out of interlocked engagement with the frame structure ( ).